., where the democrats are kicking off their convention today with the first speech by michelle obama, with the aim of breaking a deadlock with republicans. >> republicans are sharpening their attacks on president obama after he gave himself an incomplete grade for his management of the u.s. economy in his final rally before accepting the nomination. >> michelle obama is far more popular in the polls than her husband. the first lady is the democrats trump card in the president paused reelection campaign. she is working on the last touches to her speech before the democratic national convention kicks off. voters have cooled to the president and supporters hope she can that obama some much needed sympathy. >> he has been trying to do what he can do. the republicans have been trying to block success, they're blocking everybody's success. >> the important thing is that charlotte shows off its best face and put its best foot forward. >> do it,, do it, let's do it again. >> the obama camp knows it is a struggle to repeat his 2008 triumph. now the president has to inspire his followers and w